Air Conditioning Belt

The symptoms point to a heat problem. The average temperature in the Mid east can easily be >104 deg F +. This would mean not only that the AC Units will be running constantly (no off cycle), but the belts would not be able to naturally cool themselves.

To fix, here is a number of ideas.

- change to a belt material or type that can better handle the heat. (timing belts etc)

- change to chain or direct drive

- double up or triple the pulleys and belts. This will reduce the friction per belt and thus the total heat build-up.

- make sure the belts are shaded

- add a fan blade to the pulley for extra cooling

Sounds as if the belts are overstressed, maybe belts are adjusted to tightly. Use a higher rated belt, or go to double sheaves and use 2 belts. And check belt tension.

Dear sir,

As per your statement,the reason behind breaking and twisting is poor quality and alignment.At middle east normal belts are running well.Kindly check alignment,speed and self life.

sankar

How long have the belts been in service?

Our Preventive maintenance program requires that these be replaced yearly, and we are in a mild climate. They are also inspected quarterly to prevent downtime just in case there is a defective belt. We run 35 units with dual matched belts and have not had a failure regarding belts in five years. Gates or any other manufacturer would be happy to help you choose belts for use in your environment.

Proper alignment and maintenance are critical, especially in extreme environments.

Good Luck

Thanks for the input gents a further complication is that the clearance between the pullies and a steel back plate is approximately 30mm. The possibilities of circulating air over are not good, doubling pullies etc, no as well.

The infos you have received are excellent but the space you have left might still be just be enough for a properly designed double pulley system with welded on fan blades to add a good draft.....careful (re) design is needed.

Maybe two belts that are each slightly thinner, are better than one thicker......if space is a real problem.....

Evaluate the fix in a specially heated test environment before shipping.

Techno had some great points. Also check to see if the belts are too loose. If it was manufactured in a cooler environment, then the belts may be loose due to the tempature difference.

This type of belt in the US is called a serpintine belt. On cars they use an auto tentioning device that adjusts the tention with the tempature.

Were the belts made in china? if you can find out the source of your belts it might tell you something. the chinese are becoming notorious for poor quality stuff, they are using low grade materials but claiming high specs. better to find a known japanese, european or american supplier you can trust.

Thanks for the input guys. We are now trialling some belts to try and duplicate the problem will let you know the outcome. The belts were made in Germany.